End of an era
There’s been a bit of consternation over on the Cascade Bicycle Club message boards at the proposed schedule for their 2007 ride events. It seems that the Ride from Seattle to Vancouver (and Party), normally scheduled for the first weekend in August, was moved to mid-month instead. This event has traditionally ended the same night as the grand finale’ of the HSBC Festival of Lights international fireworks competition. The fireworks were a great way to cap off the two-day ride.
There was talk amongst some of our cycling acquaintances about doing the ride on the traditional weekend, unsupported. There were no dates posted for the 2007 fireworks shows however. I inquired directly with the Festival of Lights organizers, and I was informed that the sponsors of the event (HSBC) have pulled out. While they are still trying to find a sponsor for the event, it does not sound optimistic. I’m glad I stayed awake this year to see the show (which was spectacular, by the way), as it is not likely to be repeated.
On other fronts, I continue to make progress on my goal of riding through the winter. Since my last entry here, I did a 22 mile night ride Tuesday, 20 solo miles Wednesday, 24 miles leading the Newcomers’ ride on Saturday, and an 18 mile pre-Halloween night ride with the Green River Riders in Kent. Night riding will begin in full force this week with the beginning of the Cascade Use It or Lose It rides at 6:30 PM on Thursday, continuing through the winter on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
84 miles for the week, 3,782 ytd. The goal of 4,000 miles for the year is clearly in sight. The proposed riding schedule that Jim Carson floated for this goal (slightly modified due to being shy of the target in September) is working nicely, thank you very much:
| Month | Target | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| October | 285 | 270 |
| November | 115 | 0 |
| December | 88 | 0 |
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October 30th, 2006 at 11:40 am
Darn, they’ve changed RSVP dates to conflict with Danskin weekend in mid August I’m committed to being a Swim Angel so looks like I won’t be able to do RSVP.
I’ll have to make my own fireworks.
prlgrl
November 2nd, 2006 at 6:23 am
The sponsorship has been in question the last few years.
It’s very tempting to do an independent trip there if only to allow for some time to actually enjoy Vancouver.
I’d like to do RAW again — it’s either going to be a volcanoes route or the “oysters to Onions” from ILwaco to Walla Walla along the Columbia River. I’ve still got to see how much my spouse will let me do next year.
Great progress towards the 4k! You’re well-positioned to finish it this month.
November 2nd, 2006 at 7:33 am
The idea of an independent tour to Vancouver appeals to more than just thee and me. Perhaps a 3 day tour instead of two, which would either skip the chipseal/headwinds section or do it at a calmer time of day. I’d even opt for a different yet scenic route than Chuckanut, since the Lemonade stand will likely be absent. Hiring a spouse or two to drive SAG could be costly in the jewelry department, however.